Dragon Savior A New Beginning ( Update Version)

Shadows of Doubt, Flames of Resolve (160)

As they finally arrived at the lab, their entry was seamless. They dismounted their dragon and made their way inside. Seated at his desk, the head scientist was deep in thought, peering through a microscope. But as they approached, he looked up, and a warm smile illuminated his face.

" It's about time you arrived! " he exclaimed eagerly. " Come, I have something to show you. "

Without hesitation, they followed him further into the lab, their eyes drawn to the various experiments and instruments surrounding them. Starfania could tell Vi, Aeron, Atlas, and Drogo were just as captivating as she was.

" I wasn't sure what time you expected us, " Starfania said. " You only said to return tomorrow for more answers. "

With a chuckle, he replied, " You possess quite a boldness, don't you? "

His comment caught Starfania off guard, but she maintained a smile and shook her head. Before she could respond, Aeron spoke up, his tone steady and to the point. " Have you found a cure for the poison? "

The head scientist raised an eyebrow in amusement. " You're very direct, aren't you? "

Aeron remained unfazed, waiting expectantly. The air grew heavier with anticipation as they braced themselves for whatever revelation was about to unfold.

Without a word, he gestured for them to follow down a long, dimly lit corridor. His urgency was evident, and a growing unease settled over them. Finally, he pushed open a heavy metal door, revealing a separate containment area. Inside, a dragon lay restrained, its breathing labored and body trembling. Starfania's heart clenched at the sight. It was one dragon that Lyam had rescued from one of the VulcanFire encampments. The creature's scales, once brilliant, were now dulled and cracked, black veins pulsing beneath the surface. Aeron and Violet both stiffened, their eyes widening with the same horror Starfania had felt upon seeing the effects of the poison firsthand.

Vi took a slow step forward, her fingers curling into fists, while Aeron clenched his jaw, his usual composure faltering. Drogo and Atlas moved without hesitation, approaching their ailing kin. Drogo let out a low, sorrowful growl, nudging the infected dragon gently with his snout. Atlas swayed his tail anxiously, his ears pinned back in distress. Even without words, their grief was unmistakable. The head scientist watched their reaction in silence before instructing them, " Suit up. "

They exchanged uncertain glances but complied, slipping into lab coats and goggles before returning to the dragon's side. Once they prepared, he led them to another section of the lab, where a container held a thick, black substance. It pulsed as if it were alive.

" This, " he said gravely, " the poison you brought me yesterday has some major effects on them. "

The head scientist led them to another part of the testing chamber, where a team of researchers surrounded a containment unit filled with shimmering liquid. The air was thick with tension as the scientist turned to the trio.

" We've made progress on a potential cure, " he said, his tone cautious. " However, it's still in the testing phase. We need more time to ensure it's safe before administering it to the infected dragon. Rushing this process could do more harm than good. "

His words sank in like a heavy weight. The sight of the weakened dragon was enough to remind them of what was at stake. The head scientist continued, " One of the most alarming aspects of this illness is that it drains a dragon's strength entirely. Their flames fade, leaving them defenseless against both humans and other dragons. Without their fire, they become vulnerable, and ultimately..."
He trailed off, his eyes dark with unspoken grief.

" They don't survive, " Starfania finished for him, her voice barely above a whisper. The head scientist nodded, a grim acknowledgment of their shared understanding.

"Exactly," he said, glancing back at the containment unit, where the liquid swirled with an almost hypnotic rhythm. "This is where the cure's promise lies, but it's not uncomplicated. Every element must be precisely measured, every reaction monitored. We can't afford to make mistakes."